October 15-21 is Carers Week and a chance for all Tasmanians to say thank you and pay tribute to our many hard-working and dedicated carers in Tasmania.
There are nearly 85,000 carers in Tasmania, which represents 16.6 per cent of the Tasmanian population, who provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have mental or terminal illness, a disability or chronic condition, substance abuse issue or who are frail or aged.
Tasmania has more carers per capita than any Australian state or territory and the Hodgman Liberal Government acknowledges and thanks them for their self-sacrificing and community-building efforts.
The Tasmanian Government funds Carers Tasmania with $50,000 a year to deliver peak policy and project functions and provide advice to Government on carer issues.
The theme of National Carers Week this year is ``Carers Count’’ with individuals and organisations encouraged to hold events and share the message of support for carers.
A recent Deloitte Access Economics Report estimated the economic value of informal care in Australia at more than $60 billion, with informal carers providing an estimated 1.9 billion hours of care – an incredible contribution to those individuals and families who need help.
We also thank the staff and volunteers of Carers Tasmania for their efforts in co-ordinating the Carers Week program this year and highlighting the role Tasmanian Carers play in our community.
More Media Releases from the Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier